Imagine this: a warm cappuccino in Almaty, with snowy peaks shimmering beyond tree-lined boulevards. Spiced chai beside the blue-tiled mausoleums of Turkestan. A glass of wine under Astana’s futuristic skyline of glass and light. The next day, herbal tea by Burabay’s pine-ringed lake – followed by instant coffee on the cracked red cliffs of Mangystau, where Earth starts to resemble Mars. But these quiet moments are only the beginning.
Our 14-day Kazakhstan Immersion Tour takes you from the wild canyons and alpine lakes of southeastern Kazakhstan to the sacred Sufi monuments of the south, and all the way west to the Martian landscapes of Mangystau. You’ll explore ancient Silk Road ruins in Otrar, Bronze Age petroglyphs in Tanbaly, and the surreal rock towers of Charyn Canyon. Glide past sunken forests at Kaindy Lake, trace the layered slopes of the “Tiramisu Mountains”, and camp beneath the stars beside Bozzhyra’s alien “Fangs”. Climb Sherkala, a mountain steeped in legend, and stand before landscapes that once lay beneath a vanished ocean.
One itinerary. From Almaty to Mangystau – and every astonishing world in between.
Tour itinerary:
Arrival at Almaty International Airport. After passing border control and collecting your luggage, you will meet your local guide holding a nameplate. Transfer to the hotel for check-in (from 14:00). Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: not included
Meals: not included
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will explore the city’s old center and visit several key sites that highlight Almaty’s history. The first stop is the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen – named after the WWII division formed from men of the Almaty region under the command of General Ivan Panfilov. The park is popular among locals and visitors alike. Within the park, you will see the Eternal Flame, memorials to heroic figures, the Ascension Cathedral – a Russian Orthodox wooden church that miraculously withstood a major earthquake in the 20th century – and the Museum of Musical Instruments, featuring a collection of over 1,000 items, including rare exhibits dating back to the 17th century.
Within walking distance, you will visit another major attraction – the “Zelyony Bazaar” or Green Market. This is an ideal place to experience an authentic Eastern market, where you can find traditional delicacies from the various cultures that make up Kazakhstan’s population.
Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, continue your tour with a visit to the Ili Alatau Mountains – the city’s main natural attraction and part of a national park stretching 120 km with elevations ranging from 600 to 5,000 meters.
One of the park’s key sites is Medeo – a historical location in Almaty’s development. At 1,690 meters above sea level, the Medeo skating rink is the highest-altitude rink in the world. The main highlight is Shymbulak, a mountain resort at 2,260 meters above sea level. Once accessible only by a three-hour hike for a short ski run, it is now a modern, well-equipped destination.
The last stop of the day is Kok-Tobe, a popular hilltop park located at 1,100 meters. Take a comfortable cable car ride and, within 10 minutes, enjoy a panoramic view of Almaty from above.
After descending from the hill, return to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
Within walking distance, you will visit another major attraction – the “Zelyony Bazaar” or Green Market. This is an ideal place to experience an authentic Eastern market, where you can find traditional delicacies from the various cultures that make up Kazakhstan’s population.
Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, continue your tour with a visit to the Ili Alatau Mountains – the city’s main natural attraction and part of a national park stretching 120 km with elevations ranging from 600 to 5,000 meters.
One of the park’s key sites is Medeo – a historical location in Almaty’s development. At 1,690 meters above sea level, the Medeo skating rink is the highest-altitude rink in the world. The main highlight is Shymbulak, a mountain resort at 2,260 meters above sea level. Once accessible only by a three-hour hike for a short ski run, it is now a modern, well-equipped destination.
The last stop of the day is Kok-Tobe, a popular hilltop park located at 1,100 meters. Take a comfortable cable car ride and, within 10 minutes, enjoy a panoramic view of Almaty from above.
After descending from the hill, return to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
Have an early breakfast before departing for one of the must-see natural wonders of Kazakhstan. Bus tour to Charyn Canyon (220 km) – the “little brother” of the Grand Canyon. Though shorter in length (154 km), its beauty is entirely unique. The area is steeped in local legends involving “witches”, “red wolves”, and even a “road to hell” – mysterious tales that only enhance the canyon’s surreal atmosphere. Lunch at a local restaurant en route.
After a 3-4-hour drive from Almaty, turn off the main road toward the “Valley of Castles” – the most popular section of the canyon. Begin a leisurely 50-minute trek with several stops along the 2 km path to the Charyn River. Along the way, your guide will explain the canyon’s unique geological features. After enjoying the panoramic views, continue to Kolsay Lakes.
Overnight at a mountain resort or guesthouse.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
After a 3-4-hour drive from Almaty, turn off the main road toward the “Valley of Castles” – the most popular section of the canyon. Begin a leisurely 50-minute trek with several stops along the 2 km path to the Charyn River. Along the way, your guide will explain the canyon’s unique geological features. After enjoying the panoramic views, continue to Kolsay Lakes.
Overnight at a mountain resort or guesthouse.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Breakfast at the guesthouse or mountain resort, followed by transfer to Kolsay Lakes.
Kolsay Lakes is a group of alpine lakes in the northern Tien Shan, near the Kyrgyzstan border. Framed by coniferous forests and mountain peaks, they are often called the “Pearls of Zhetysu”.
After visiting Kolsay, continue by UAZ vehicles to Kaindy Lake – a unique body of water formed after a 1911 earthquake. Cold mountain water flooded a spruce forest, leaving tree trunks eerily visible through the clear surface to this day. After reaching the end of the off-road section, take a short walk to the lake for panoramic views from the hilltop. Horseback rides are also available for an additional fee.
On the way back, stop at a local house in the village for a tasty homemade lunch. After the meal, sit back and enjoy the drive back to Almaty. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Kolsay Lakes is a group of alpine lakes in the northern Tien Shan, near the Kyrgyzstan border. Framed by coniferous forests and mountain peaks, they are often called the “Pearls of Zhetysu”.
After visiting Kolsay, continue by UAZ vehicles to Kaindy Lake – a unique body of water formed after a 1911 earthquake. Cold mountain water flooded a spruce forest, leaving tree trunks eerily visible through the clear surface to this day. After reaching the end of the off-road section, take a short walk to the lake for panoramic views from the hilltop. Horseback rides are also available for an additional fee.
On the way back, stop at a local house in the village for a tasty homemade lunch. After the meal, sit back and enjoy the drive back to Almaty. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
In the morning depart for the ancient sanctuary of Tanbaly (170 km), known for its remarkable collection of rock carvings. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, this open-air “gallery” contains around 2,000 petroglyphs depicting animals, humans, and ritual scenes. Most date back to the Bronze Age and reflect the Saka “animal” style. For centuries, Tanbaly served as a sacred site for ceremonies and ancestral worship. After the visit, return to Almaty.
Transfer to the railway station for the train to Turkestan. Departure from Almaty. Overnight on the train.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Transfer to the railway station for the train to Turkestan. Departure from Almaty. Overnight on the train.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Upon arrival in Turkestan, begin your sightseeing tour with a visit to the Azret-Sultan State Historical and Cultural Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the key pilgrimage destinations in Central Asia. The centerpiece of the complex is the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, commissioned by Timur (Tamerlane) in the late 14th century to honor the renowned Sufi scholar. Although never completed, the mausoleum impresses with its monumental scale, turquoise dome, intricate tilework, and spacious interiors.
Continue to the Turkestan Necropolis, the Hilvet semi-underground mosque, a historical hammam, and the preserved fragments of the old fortress wall and citadel gates. Later, visit the “Altyn Samruk” flying theater and experience Virtual Flight – an immersive audiovisual journey into Kazakh mythology. Inside a projection dome, the show recreates the flight of the mythical Samruk bird over Kazakhstan’s steppes, mountains, and cultural landmarks.
In the evening, attend the Boat Parade at the Karavansaray complex – a theatrical performance inspired by the legend of Kyz-Zhibek and Tolegen. The production combines music, dance, and visual storytelling along a scenic canal, with illuminated boats portraying scenes from this poetic epic.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: not included
Continue to the Turkestan Necropolis, the Hilvet semi-underground mosque, a historical hammam, and the preserved fragments of the old fortress wall and citadel gates. Later, visit the “Altyn Samruk” flying theater and experience Virtual Flight – an immersive audiovisual journey into Kazakh mythology. Inside a projection dome, the show recreates the flight of the mythical Samruk bird over Kazakhstan’s steppes, mountains, and cultural landmarks.
In the evening, attend the Boat Parade at the Karavansaray complex – a theatrical performance inspired by the legend of Kyz-Zhibek and Tolegen. The production combines music, dance, and visual storytelling along a scenic canal, with illuminated boats portraying scenes from this poetic epic.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: not included
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the "Uly Dala Eli" Center, which presents exhibits on Kazakhstan’s history, culture, and national achievements. A key highlight is the Turkic Hall with a 3D projection sphere, accompanied by a glass bridge over the map of Kazakhstan and the symbolic “Baiterek Tree” art installation.
After the visit, depart for Shymkent (~3.5 hours) via Otrar – an ancient city that played a major role in the history of Central Asia and served as a key trading hub along the Silk Road.
En route, pass the museum in Shaulder village and stop to visit the 12th-century Mausoleum of Arystan Bab – one of Central Asia’s important Muslim shrines and a recognized pilgrimage site.
Continue the drive to Shymkent (~1 hour). Upon arrival, take a short evening city tour. Visit the Park of Independence, the old town, and Ordabasy Square. Continue to Abay Park, named after the great Kazakh poet and philosopher Abay Kunanbayev. The park features a monument in his honor, scenic alleys, a fountain, and various sculptures. A key landmark here is the Glory Memorial – dedicated to the heroes of World War II.
Transfer to Shymkent Airport. Flight to Astana. Arrival in Astana and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
After the visit, depart for Shymkent (~3.5 hours) via Otrar – an ancient city that played a major role in the history of Central Asia and served as a key trading hub along the Silk Road.
En route, pass the museum in Shaulder village and stop to visit the 12th-century Mausoleum of Arystan Bab – one of Central Asia’s important Muslim shrines and a recognized pilgrimage site.
Continue the drive to Shymkent (~1 hour). Upon arrival, take a short evening city tour. Visit the Park of Independence, the old town, and Ordabasy Square. Continue to Abay Park, named after the great Kazakh poet and philosopher Abay Kunanbayev. The park features a monument in his honor, scenic alleys, a fountain, and various sculptures. A key landmark here is the Glory Memorial – dedicated to the heroes of World War II.
Transfer to Shymkent Airport. Flight to Astana. Arrival in Astana and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Astana.
Begin with a visit to the National Museum, the largest in Kazakhstan, opened in 2014. The museum features ten thematic halls covering ancient and medieval history, ethnography, and the cultural heritage of the Kazakh people.
Continue to Khazret Sultan Mosque, the second largest mosque in Central Asia, with capacity for up to 10,000 worshippers. Designed in the style of an Oriental palace, the building is notable for its elegant proportions and scale.
Next, visit the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, a glass pyramid designed by renowned architect Norman Foster. The structure is built according to the golden section, with both height and base measuring 62 meters.
Proceed to the Bayterek Monument, one of the city’s main symbols. At 97 meters tall, it offers panoramic views of Astana from an observation deck accessible by elevator.
Conclude the tour at Khan Shatyr, a distinctive tent-shaped complex that serves as the city’s main lifestyle center. The building combines retail, dining, and entertainment facilities under the world’s largest tent-shaped roof.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
Begin with a visit to the National Museum, the largest in Kazakhstan, opened in 2014. The museum features ten thematic halls covering ancient and medieval history, ethnography, and the cultural heritage of the Kazakh people.
Continue to Khazret Sultan Mosque, the second largest mosque in Central Asia, with capacity for up to 10,000 worshippers. Designed in the style of an Oriental palace, the building is notable for its elegant proportions and scale.
Next, visit the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, a glass pyramid designed by renowned architect Norman Foster. The structure is built according to the golden section, with both height and base measuring 62 meters.
Proceed to the Bayterek Monument, one of the city’s main symbols. At 97 meters tall, it offers panoramic views of Astana from an observation deck accessible by elevator.
Conclude the tour at Khan Shatyr, a distinctive tent-shaped complex that serves as the city’s main lifestyle center. The building combines retail, dining, and entertainment facilities under the world’s largest tent-shaped roof.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
After breakfast, start your trip to Burabay – an oasis in the steppe, also known as the “Kazakh Switzerland”, “Green Mountain”, or the “Pearl of Kazakhstan”. The resort is famous for its stunning nature and landscapes. Located just a three-hour drive from Astana, it is a must-visit destination near the capital.
Burabay is rich in legends and has a unique atmosphere. The area offers a variety of natural attractions, including numerous lakes and mountains ranging from 300 to 900 meters in height. Each site has its own history, which local guides will be happy to share.
Arrival back in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
Burabay is rich in legends and has a unique atmosphere. The area offers a variety of natural attractions, including numerous lakes and mountains ranging from 300 to 900 meters in height. Each site has its own history, which local guides will be happy to share.
Arrival back in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
After breakfast, explore the historical part of Astana on the right bank of the Esil River.
Take a walk along the river promenade with a view of the futuristic Atyrau Bridge, and visit the Russian Orthodox Church – the largest of its kind in Central Asia. Continue to the Military History Museum, which features several thematic halls and over 6,000 artifacts. The museum is known for its carefully curated exhibits, where every detail – from personal letters and documents to full-scale military equipment – brings Kazakhstan’s military past to life, from ancient times to the present.
Next, visit the Astana Grand Mosque, the largest in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, and one of the ten largest mosques in the world. This impressive structure is among the most striking architectural landmarks in the capital.
Transfer to Astana Airport. Departure from Astana. Arrival in Aktau and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
Take a walk along the river promenade with a view of the futuristic Atyrau Bridge, and visit the Russian Orthodox Church – the largest of its kind in Central Asia. Continue to the Military History Museum, which features several thematic halls and over 6,000 artifacts. The museum is known for its carefully curated exhibits, where every detail – from personal letters and documents to full-scale military equipment – brings Kazakhstan’s military past to life, from ancient times to the present.
Next, visit the Astana Grand Mosque, the largest in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, and one of the ten largest mosques in the world. This impressive structure is among the most striking architectural landmarks in the capital.
Transfer to Astana Airport. Departure from Astana. Arrival in Aktau and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel.
The first stop is the Valley of Balls - Torysh, one of the most mysterious places on the planet. Scattered across the landscape are hundreds of giant stone spheres, resembling alien artifacts. Each is unique: some nearly perfect, others split in half, as if crafted by giant hands. These formations continue to fascinate scientists and travelers alike.
Continue to Kok-kala Gorge, a geological site dating back to the Jurassic period. The purple and reddish rock formations take you back millions of years, offering a scenic walk among fossilized layers and stunning views.
Next, visit Mount Sherkala – the symbol of Mangystau. Some say it resembles a giant yurt, others see a sleeping lion. More than just a natural formation, Sherkala is steeped in legends and considered a place of power. Your guide will share stories linked to the mountain, and you’ll have the opportunity to climb one of its slopes for a closer view.
The final stop of the day is Airakty (Shomanai), also known as the "Valley of Castles". These dramatic rock formations, shaped by wind and water over 40 million years, rise like fortress walls across the valley floor – once part of the ancient Tethys Ocean. Their scale and detail give the impression they were carved by hand. Over time, these formations may continue to erode or disappear altogether, making their presence today all the more remarkable.
After a full day of exploration, relax in a cozy yurt – just like the nomads.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
The first stop is the Valley of Balls - Torysh, one of the most mysterious places on the planet. Scattered across the landscape are hundreds of giant stone spheres, resembling alien artifacts. Each is unique: some nearly perfect, others split in half, as if crafted by giant hands. These formations continue to fascinate scientists and travelers alike.
Continue to Kok-kala Gorge, a geological site dating back to the Jurassic period. The purple and reddish rock formations take you back millions of years, offering a scenic walk among fossilized layers and stunning views.
Next, visit Mount Sherkala – the symbol of Mangystau. Some say it resembles a giant yurt, others see a sleeping lion. More than just a natural formation, Sherkala is steeped in legends and considered a place of power. Your guide will share stories linked to the mountain, and you’ll have the opportunity to climb one of its slopes for a closer view.
The final stop of the day is Airakty (Shomanai), also known as the "Valley of Castles". These dramatic rock formations, shaped by wind and water over 40 million years, rise like fortress walls across the valley floor – once part of the ancient Tethys Ocean. Their scale and detail give the impression they were carved by hand. Over time, these formations may continue to erode or disappear altogether, making their presence today all the more remarkable.
After a full day of exploration, relax in a cozy yurt – just like the nomads.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Breakfast in the open air. Continue your journey to Bozzhyra Valley – Mangystau’s most iconic landscape, often described as a natural open-air museum with scenery that feels entirely unearthly.
The first stop is the "Mars" panorama, a surreal viewpoint named for its barren terrain and vivid, alien-like colors. Later, take a short hike to a viewpoint overlooking Bozzhyra’s famous "Fangs" – two jagged rock formations so striking they seem to mark the edge of another world.
Overnight in tents under a star-filled sky.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
The first stop is the "Mars" panorama, a surreal viewpoint named for its barren terrain and vivid, alien-like colors. Later, take a short hike to a viewpoint overlooking Bozzhyra’s famous "Fangs" – two jagged rock formations so striking they seem to mark the edge of another world.
Overnight in tents under a star-filled sky.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Bokty Mountain is a striking remnant formation, said to resemble either a layered cake or an overturned ship. Its distinctive appearance comes from alternating bands of light and dark rock. The mountain rises from the floor of a dried-up sor – a salt flat typical of the Central Asian deserts – and was once featured on the 1,000 tenge banknote issued by the National Bank of Kazakhstan.
Next, visit Kyzylkup – one of Mangystau’s most memorable sights. Often called the “Tiramisu Mountains”, these layered hills of white, beige, and deep red evoke the look of the famous dessert. But this is no confection – it’s a landscape shaped by wind and time in what was once the bed of an ancient ocean.
Continue to the Karagiye Depression, the deepest dry point in Kazakhstan at 132 meters below sea level. Stretching 85 kilometers long and up to 25 kilometers wide, it’s known as the “birthplace of rain”. Meteorologists attribute this to rising heat from the basin, which contributes to the formation of rain clouds in the atmosphere.
After the visit, return to Aktau. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Next, visit Kyzylkup – one of Mangystau’s most memorable sights. Often called the “Tiramisu Mountains”, these layered hills of white, beige, and deep red evoke the look of the famous dessert. But this is no confection – it’s a landscape shaped by wind and time in what was once the bed of an ancient ocean.
Continue to the Karagiye Depression, the deepest dry point in Kazakhstan at 132 meters below sea level. Stretching 85 kilometers long and up to 25 kilometers wide, it’s known as the “birthplace of rain”. Meteorologists attribute this to rising heat from the basin, which contributes to the formation of rain clouds in the atmosphere.
After the visit, return to Aktau. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Recommendations when planning your trip:
- The Green Bazaar and museums in Almaty and Astana are closed on Mondays;
- Temperatures can vary between cities and surrounding natural areas, so bring warm clothing, a light jacket, sunglasses, and a hat when traveling outside urban zones;
- Due to the limited number of rooms at guesthouses and mountain resorts in Altyn Emel National Park, Kolsay National Park, and Kogez ethno-village, early booking is required.
Guesthouse accommodation details:
Saty guesthouse: up to 10 rooms (WC/shower inside)
Kogez ethno-village yurts: up to 6 people per yurt (WC/shower outside)
Note: Single Supplement available only in Almaty, Turkestan and Aktau cities
Transport during jeep tours:
Toyota Land Cruiser, Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Patrol, or similar – maximum 3 passengers per vehicle
Important information:
- Some changes to the program are permitted, except for reducing the number of booked excursions.
- If a site is closed to visitors, it will be replaced with an alternative. During major events, proposed accommodation may be substituted with a hotel of similar category.
- The sequence of the itinerary and listed hotels is subject to change without prior notice. If the proposed hotels are unavailable, alternatives of the same category will be provided.
- Hotel reservations are subject to availability and are not confirmed until full payment has been received. Full payment must be made at least 45 days prior to the group’s arrival, as per the issued invoice.
- Domestic flight schedules are subject to change. If a listed flight is unavailable, it will be replaced with the closest available option in accordance with the program.
Price includes:
- Private A/C transport with driver as per program: 2 pax – sedan (up to 3 seats),
3–7 pax – minivan (up to 10 seats), 8–10 pax – minibus (up to 18 seats).
In the Mangystau region, guests will have a jeep tour in 4WD SUVs Toyota Land Cruiser (or similar), 3 pax per car; - 3 nights' accommodation in a hotel in Almaty on BB basis in DBL/TWIN;
1 night's accommodation in a guesthouse/mountain resort at Kolsay National Park;
1 night on the train Almaty – Turkestan (4-bed compartment);
1 night's accommodation in a hotel in Turkestan on BB basis in DBL/TWIN;
3 nights’ hotel accommodation on BB basis (DBL/TWIN shared) in Astana;
2 nights' accommodation in a hotel in Aktau on BB basis in DBL/TWIN;
1 night in a yurt at Kogez ethno-village (Twin shared only);
1 night in tents (Twin shared only): mobile shower and toilet cabin, access to electricity; - Camping equipment: tents, double sleeping mats, sleeping bags, tables and chairs, mess tent;
- Ecological fees as per the program;
- Sightseeing tours according to the program;
- English-speaking local guide services;
- Entrance tickets;
- Meals: 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 2 dinners;
- Mineral water: 1L per person daily.
Price doesn't include:
- International air tickets;
- Single supplement;
- Domestic air ticket Shymkent – Astana (exact fare guaranteed after full prepayment and ticket issuance) – from 100 USD per person (subject to change);
- Domestic air ticket Astana – Aktau (exact fare guaranteed after full prepayment and ticket issuance) – from 140 USD per person (subject to change);
- Horseback riding at Kolsai Lakes – from 40 USD per person;
- Personal expenses.
Prices, per person
Prices are for 2025 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
Accommodation
Standard: Guesthouse at Saty Village on full board (15 km from Kolsay Lake)
Comfort: Guesthouse at Saty Village on full board (15 km from Kolsay Lake)
Lux: Kolsay Prestige / Similar
Comfort: Guesthouse at Saty Village on full board (15 km from Kolsay Lake)
Lux: Kolsay Prestige / Similar
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